Epoch HealthFirst Cases of HIV Transmitted Through Cosmetic Needles Identified: CDC

Risks of Nonsterile Cosmetic Procedures: First Documented HIV Transmissions Linked to Microneedling Facials

A recent investigation by the CDC in conjunction with New Mexico health officials has uncovered the first known cases of HIV transmission attributed to nonsterile cosmetic procedures at an unlicensed spa. The findings, derived from an in-depth analysis at the now-closed VIP Salon, underscore the critical importance of adherence to sanitary practices in cosmetic services, especially those involving invasive techniques such as microneedling.

Key Points:

• The CDC has identified the first documented instances of HIV transmission via cosmetic needles during PRP microneedling facials at an unlicensed spa in New Mexico.
• Three female clients of the VIP Salon contracted HIV following treatments; these cases were linked through epidemiological and molecular analysis to services received at the spa.
• The spa was subsequently closed after investigations revealed multiple unsafe practices, including the reuse of syringes and improper storage of blood samples.
• Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Ruiz, the former owner of VIP Salon, faced felony charges for practicing medicine without a license and was convicted in 2022.
• An extensive outreach and testing effort involving nearly 200 former clients and their partners revealed no additional cases of HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.
• Health authorities stress the importance of maintaining rigorous infection control standards in cosmetic facilities to prevent such occurrences in the future.
• The cases prompted a call for better regulation at state and federal levels to ensure the safety of cosmetic procedures that involve blood or blood products.

“This is a warning to those who place profit over the health and safety of New Mexico consumers, and I remain highly concerned that these procedures are not being regulated at the state and federal level.”
– Hector Balderas, New Mexico Attorney General

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